The novel begins with Moses and the other orphans witnessing the takeover by the new socialist government of their home and the priest disappearing from their lives. Big changes are made and Moses must deal with a set of twins who intimidate the other children into submission besides the new men who have set new rules and now run the place.

Moses is a smart boy and will use his own means to stay safe from the twins, eventually escape the home, and begin a life where he will begin to better himself by befriending people who will help him in his life. But in the Congo, things can change very quickly, and when they do, the results will change Moses life forever.

The emotions generated by this story will run from sad to funny and back again, until Moses like comes full circle, leaving a satisfying conclusion to the novel.